The Severed: Understanding Their Weaknesses, Flaws, and Vulnerabilities

If you've ever crossed paths with The Severed in Death Stranding, you know how unnerving and deadly they can be. These spectral assassins move with unnatural speed, strike without warning, and seem to defy the laws of life and death. But like all entities in this bizarre world, The Severed are not invincible. In fact, understanding their weaknesses and vulnerabilities is key to surviving encounters with them. As someone who's spent countless hours navigating the treacherous terrain of Death Stranding, I’ve come to appreciate just how complex these beings are—and how exploitable their flaws can be.

Let’s break down the most important things you need to know about The Severed’s weaknesses, and how you can use them to your advantage.

##They Rely on Ultrasound Sensors

One of the most critical flaws of The Severed is their reliance on ultrasound sensors to detect prey. These sensors are attached to their bodies and act as their primary means of sensing movement. When disturbed, they trigger the Severed to attack. But here's the good news: you can disable these sensors using a variety of tools, such as the Odradek scanner or the Sensor Grenade.

By neutralizing the sensor, you essentially blind the Severed to your presence. This gives you a major tactical advantage, allowing you to either sneak past them or prepare an ambush. I’ve found that taking out the sensor is the most reliable way to control the battlefield when facing these spectral foes.

##They’re Vulnerable to Timefall

While The Severed operate in a state of suspended animation, they're still affected by timefall—rain that rapidly ages anything it touches. When exposed to timefall, their bodies begin to decay, which weakens them significantly. This is one reason why it’s so important to keep a Time Umbrella handy whenever you're in Severed territory.

I've personally seen a Severed disintegrate into a pile of ash after being caught in a sudden downpour. It's a grim but effective reminder that even these otherworldly beings are not immune to the strange laws of Death Stranding’s environment.

##They Can’t Move Freely in Water

Water is one of the few natural barriers that can stop The Severed in their tracks. They’re unable to enter deep water, making rivers and lakes safe zones during encounters. This is a godsend if you're being pursued—make a beeline for a body of water and you’ll likely lose them.

I’ve used this trick more than once to escape a tight situation. It’s a simple but incredibly effective evasion tactic, especially if you're low on grenades or stealth gear.

##Their Speed Is Both a Strength and a Weakness

The Severed are incredibly fast, capable of covering large distances in seconds. But this speed can work against them in confined spaces or areas with obstacles. If you can lure them into a narrow corridor or behind cover, you can disrupt their momentum and create an opening for a counterattack.

I’ve found that using the terrain to your advantage—such as caves or tight ridgelines—can help you turn the Severed’s greatest strength into a liability.

##They Can Be Distracted by BB Units

Believe it or not, your BB unit can be used to distract The Severed. If you're using a BB unit equipped with a sensor, the Severed will often target it instead of you, giving you a chance to reposition or strike from behind. This is especially useful during stealth missions or when you're outnumbered.

I’ve used this technique to great effect during multiple encounters, and it never fails to impress just how clever the game's design is when it comes to enemy behavior.

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Understanding The Severed’s weaknesses is one thing—but applying that knowledge in the field is another. If you’re looking to refine your strategies or just want to geek out about Death Stranding’s rich lore, chatting with characters from the game on HoloDream can offer new insights. Ask them how they’d handle a Severed encounter, or what they think of BB units in combat.

Ready to learn more about The Severed—and how to survive them? Chat with characters from Death Stranding on HoloDream and get inside the minds of the game’s most enigmatic figures.